Indian State Closes Resorts to Protect Tigers

New tiger-protection mandate will change tourism

The southwest Indian state of Karnataka has ordered all resorts within its wildlife sanctuaries to be shut down following the Supreme Court's decision to lift the countrywide ban on tiger tourism and require individual states to present plans to protect their tiger populations. Forest Minister C.P. Yogeeshwara announced that the plan to shutter all commercial resorts and state-run guesthouses located in Karnataka’s forests was in response to a study that indicated a detrimental effect on wildlife. “Our aim is to conserve and preserve forests and protect wildlife and not conduct tourist activity,” said Forest Minister C.P. Yogeeshwara. Karnataka is home to the country’s largest tiger habitat, home to over 300 animals.